Preserving Florida’s Rare Coastal Heritage
Photo: Paul Locher Jr.
The Elling Eide Center is a 72-acre refuge of coastal uplands and wetlands within an increasingly urbanized area of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Through science-based active management, we work to restore, enhance, and study the diverse natural communities that make this property unique. Our efforts to interconnect Preserve management with the cultural influences of East Asia and indigenous Florida originates from the passions of our founder, Elling Eide. This interdisciplinary approach increases the depth and impact of our work.
Our Habitat Restoration work includes:
- Invasive species management
- Wildlife habitat enhancement
- Native and rare plant conservation
- Water quality protection and enhancement
- Prescribed fire
Current Research Areas include:
- Coastal ecosystem response to climate change
- Native plant community restoration techniques
- Historical ecology and landscape change
Animal Sightings
Notoriously secretive and seldom seen by people, bobcats are often rare sightings. However, in the first week of 2026, the Eide Center was lucky to have been home to a female bobcat and a single offspring. Sightings like this remind us how rich our local wildlife is.
Support Our Preserve
Get Involved
To join our volunteer program, sign up for prescribed burn updates, or to receive notice of tours and events, sign up using the button below.
Research Opportunities
Scientists, undergraduates, and graduate students are invited to explore research opportunities at the Elling Eide Center Preserve. For more information, please contact leeamos@eidecenter.org.
Support the Preserve
Your financial gift to the Elling Eide Preserve will support our efforts and programming, protecting the biodiversity of the preserve and advancing climate resilient ecosystems and communities.
